DVD Corner

Ernest And Celestine Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack Review

“Ernest and Celestine” is a cute and poignant animated film.

The plot: In a world in which mice and bears are taught to fear one another, Ernest (a starving artist/musician bear) and Celestine (a young artist/tooth collecting mouse) defy the norm by becoming friends. Not only is their friendship viewed as unnatural, but the two become outlaws in their separate communities after stirring up trouble (I won’t spoil what happens). Will Ernest and Celestine be punished for their crimes? Can the bear and mice communities ever co-exist peacefully? These are the questions that will be answered in the end.

While “Frozen” and “Despicable Me 2” may have dominated the animation world in 2013, they weren’t the only animated films people were talking about. Despite not getting a wide release, the French hand drawn animated movie “Ernest and Celestine” earned its fair share of acclaim and even garnered an Academy Award nomination for best animated feature earlier this year. So, how does this little underdog family film fare? Surprisingly well.

While short on plot and perhaps a touch preachy, ‘Ernest’ is a sweet and good natured tale that tackles some heavy duty subject matters such as friendship, race, fear, society, dreams, art, change, and judgments. The film has a lot to say in a short amount of time and its themes and ideas really resonate. Yes, one can argue that the charming titular characters carry the movie, but the film’s humility is the heart of the movie.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.78:1 1080p. How does it look? The simplistic hand drawn animation style isn’t going to wow you in hi-def, but the colors and details are infinitely sharper on Blu-ray.

Audio Tracks: English and French DTS-HD MA 5.1 tracks. How does it sound? While many will opt to pick the original language French track, the English track is very worthwhile here as it boasts some great voice acting talent such as William H. Macy, Paul Giamatti, and Forest Whitaker.

Extras include a “Ernest and Celestine” theatrical trailer, 5 GKids trailers, a feature length animatic (only on the Blu-ray disc), a lengthy 51 minute “The Making of Ernest and Celestine” featurette which contains cast and crew interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and much more, and an interview with co-director Benjamin Renner in which he talks about the script, the animation, scenes, crew members, etc.

Overall Thoughts: “Ernest and Celestine” has something for viewers of all ages. Recommended.

June 12, 2014 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Academy Awards Best Animated Films 2014, Ernest And Celestine Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack Review, Ernest and Celestine Review